MUFG: Dollar to strengthen in first half of 2025

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group forex analyst Li Hadman said that due to the potential implementation of tariffs by US President-elect Trump and limited prospects for a Fed rate cut, the US dollar should strengthen in the first half of 2025. More early tariff hikes support the bank's forecast for further strengthening of the US dollar in the first half of this year. In addition, the Fed sent a clear signal in December last year that they will be much more cautious in further rate cuts this year. In contrast, other major central banks are expected to continue cutting rates, and this divergence may prompt further strengthening of the US dollar in the short term.